Column: Why tonight’s NCAA matchup matters to your business

Today’s a good day. And not just because it’s Friday. This evening, I and thousands of other Ohio University alumni will be rooting for our Bobcats as they go up against my other alma mater: No. 1 seeded University of North Carolina.

(I love my Tar Heels. But let’s face it — UNC has enough titles.)

Now if you’re reading on in hopes of finding some way that this connects back to federal contracting, you might be disappointed. This is actually just a shameless plug for what I view to be the most exciting matchup in this year’s (any year’s?) NCAA tournament. But for those who will step away from your computers angry that I didn’t provide some shred of business value in exchange for your time, here goes:

Tonight’s game is an underdog story, which a lot of government contractors can relate to these days amid federal budget cuts. By rallying for the victory, you are sharpening the optimism that will come in handy in the months leading up to sequestration.

UNC’s point guard is likely out of tonight’s game with an injury, upping the chances that Ohio can pull out a win. Take this to heart small businesses: Goliath too has his Achilles heel.

Every office — and I mean every one — has an abnormal number of connections to Ohio. Here at the Washington Business Journal, there’s me, our editorial designer Blake Whitney and our very own Editor Doug Fruehling who are proud Bobcats. Beyond that, we have an alum of Kent State University and a couple of former residents of Ohio. Seriously — ask around. They’re lurking. A shout-out for Ohio University could be a real morale booster.

And finally, watching the Ohio/UNC game tonight is crucial because you all know that you are in office pools whose standings ride on this very game. That translates to bragging rights. Which always matter. For the record, I’m in first place in ours.

Convinced? Then tune in today at 7:47 p.m. And if you’re still in the office (seriously? On a Friday?) then at least watch online. Everyone’s doing it.